# 蛛丝马迹

zhū sī mǎ jì

Small clues revealing something hidden

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Spider threads and horse tracks

**Traditional Chinese:** 蛛絲馬跡

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Describe subtle evidence worth investigating.

A clue is not a complete proof.

## Understanding the expression

A thin thread and a faint track may be easy to miss, yet each shows that something was there. The expression describes small details that can lead an observer toward a hidden event or explanation. It is common in investigations and careful problem solving. The value lies in following the clue, not treating it as certainty. Several traces may need comparison and verification before a reliable account emerges from the initial hint.

## Examples

她从票据中发现蛛丝马迹。

### Traditional Chinese

她從票據中發現蛛絲馬跡。

tā cóng piào jù zhōng fā xiàn zhū sī mǎ jì 。

She found small clues in the receipts.

侦探寻找门边的蛛丝马迹。

### Traditional Chinese

偵探尋找門邊的蛛絲馬跡。

zhēn tàn xún zhǎo mén biān de zhū sī mǎ jì 。

The detective searched for subtle traces near the door.

日志里的蛛丝马迹指向旧程序。

### Traditional Chinese

日誌裡的蛛絲馬跡指向舊程序。

rì zhì lǐ de zhū sī mǎ jì zhǐ xiàng jiù chéng xù 。

Small clues in the logs pointed to the old program.

别漏掉任何蛛丝马迹，也别急着下结论。

### Traditional Chinese

別漏掉任何蛛絲馬跡，也別急著下結論。

bié lòu diào rèn hé zhū sī mǎ jì ， yě bié jí zhe xià jié lùn 。

Do not overlook subtle clues, but do not jump to a conclusion.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%9B%9B%E7%B5%B2%E9%A6%AC%E8%B7%A1)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1029&webMd=1&la=0)

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